Marheta draws well

Marheta's draw thrills Zahra
Brad Waters, Racenet
Wednesday, 2 June 2010

 

In-form Melbourne jockey Mark Zahra says Marheta’s draw is the icing on the cake for a strong performance in Saturday’s Group I Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm.

The Mike Moroney-trained Marheta drew perfectly in barrier three for the $400,000 event, a lucky break Zahra said would make the Doomben Roses winner hard to beat in the Oaks.

“She’s an on-pace runner so it was really important she drew well,” Zahra said. “From gate three we can find a good spot early without making use of her early in the piece.

“She’ll be able to take a good position right behind the leaders and conserve energy early.”

According to Zahra, Marheta’s handy barrier will also minimise any possible interference the daughter of Al Maher may face when tiring runners drop back sharply at the business end of the race.

Zahra said the filly’s draw allayed any nagging doubts he had about Marheta successfully making the step up to 2400 metres in Saturday’s event.

“Until they actually do it in a race, there will always be a slight concern,” Zahra said. “Now she has drawn well, she should run the trip right out and be strong at the end.

“She should be forward enough to not have anything fall back into her lap at the crucial time and not be held up which is very important.

“She doesn’t accelerate quickly but she has a high top speed which she showed in the (Doomben) Roses. I thought she was really impressive there.”

Marheta is the $6 second favourite to win the Queensland Oaks with Betchoice behind the Bart Cummings-trained Dariana at $3.80.